How many of you know people who refuse to exercise for the fear of getting injured? Probably no one.

I do know people who refuse to work out because they are lazy! All kidding aside, sustaining injuries while working out or playing sports is inevitable, and often, a painful part of engaging in physical activities. However, this should not stop us from pursuing a fit and healthy body.

Writing this article brings back a childhood memory. I remember when I first started riding the bike. I probably only have a couple of days of riding experience under my belt when I hit a lamp post. Out of embarrassment and fear of getting into another riding mishap, I stopped riding and have not gone on a bike since then.

It is a shame because biking is such a good way to keep fit. Looking back, I regret not having struggled and worked with the fear of biking. I reckon had I done so, I would be able to join triathlons now. So, today, to keep you, my dear readers, from making the same mistake, I would like to share tips on how to keep fit and avoid injury.

1. Get a Professional Trainer

When I started working out at the gym, I made sure to consult a trainer to make sure that the exercise regimen I follow is appropriate for my health and physical condition.

Having a personal and professional trainer will certainly guarantee your safety during your workout. You are also assured that your efforts will not be in vain as your trainers can help you target your areas of concern. So, if you think that you can exercise on your own, think again.

2. Don’t Skip Your Warm Up

If, like me, you workout right after waking up, your muscles are certainly cold given that they were at rest. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warming up increases our body’s core temperature by encouraging blood flow to the working muscles.

Warming up also gives you the opportunity to wake yourself up if you are still feeling sleepy or set your mind that you are about to exert physical effort. Warming up helps prevent cramps and injuries because your muscles are more flexible to do the work.

3. Start Small

It has been said that the risk of injury is greater when you mindlessly and abruptly change your exercise program or add a new exercise.

As with any other skill, we are most likely to mess up if we did not have a proper practice. Such is also the case when it comes to exercising. That’s why it is important to slowly integrate your new exercise or program into your current workout routine. There is no need to rush; to do so would cause more harm than good.

4. Switch It Up

Do you keep on doing the same workout over and over again? Well, chances are, you are getting bored, too.

Switching your workout routines help give the muscles you engage in your usual workout regimen a rest thus reducing the chance of getting injured. Engaging in different sports activities or performing different workout routines also help prevent you from hitting weight loss plateaus.

5. Don the Right Fashion

As big of a klutz as I am, the injuries I sustained while riding the bike was not only because of my lack of skills but also due to my lack of protection. I was only wearing my normal play clothes and none of the protective gear such as helmet and elbow, knee pads and ankle braces. These accessories could have saved me from the wounds I sustained on my elbows and knees had I worn them.

That is why wearing proper attire when engaging in physical activities is a must. The right accessories and clothing will shield you from possible wounds and from more serious injuries. Sure, they are not exactly fashionable, but they can always be removed after you exercise.

6. Eat Well and Hydrate

Sure, exercising is important but eating well and hydrating is just as important too. After all, a healthy body is 90% made in the kitchen and 10% made in the gym. Always remember that eating right is of utmost importance as this will give you the energy to exercise. With proper nutrition, muscle repair will also be a breeze.

7. Cooling Down is Important, Too

You know how when you work out your body is up and running, your heart is beating fast, and you just know it is exerting a lot of effort?

This should not stop abruptly. In the same way that you ease into exercising, you should also ease your way out of it. You can cool down by doing a slow walk or a gentle stretch for five to ten minutes.

This way, your flexibility is maintained even after working out. So, if you begin something (warm-up) be sure to end (cool down) it well, too.

8. Listen to Your Body

For me, this is the most important tip of all. There are days you just don’t feel like exercising; some days you power through it, some days you just can’t - that is okay. The most important thing about working out is the ability to listen to your body and knowing when it needs to stop.

Pushing ourselves to the limit from time to time is okay. However, overdoing it is an entirely different thing. Our bodies have a certain threshold that we must respect and abide by to keep it going.

Keeping fit is very important. As the adage goes, “Health is wealth.” We cannot buy our way through health - we must all work for it. Injuries are inevitable; they happen, but they can be prevented, too.

With proper measures taken, our fear of sustaining injuries should not hinder us from working out and engaging in physical activities. And, if we do sustain any injury, know that as long as we follow the doctor’s orders and do our part to recover well, we will be fine. Remember: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

As they say, nothing stays hidden on the Internet for too long; nothing is also ever deleted - everything is stored in the all-knowing cloud.

But, let’s not dwell on that. I’m pretty certain you have used social media to stalk your crush.

Let’s be honest, it does not stop there. You also saved his picture in your phone’s photo gallery!

Don’t judge me, but yes, I speak from experience. This made me think - if pictures are all available online, are photo books still relevant today?

Now that all the images we can ever think of can be found on the internet, is it still important to keep physical copies? I’m not going to make you wonder anymore; my answer is a big fat yes!

I may be speaking from an old-fashioned sense, but I do truly believe that photobooks still hold an irreplaceable spot when it comes to preserving memories. Nothing beats getting to browse through piles and piles of photos while laughing your hearts out.

If you are a usual party or wedding attendee, you would know how people give little trinkets away as their token of appreciation for your attendance. From mugs to pillows, there are plenty of choices out there. I have recently had the pleasure to attend the baptism of my niece.

As a giveaway, we were given a photo booklet that contained photos of my niece and some same-day photos from the event. I think this token is very personal and well-thought of since you will only appreciate it if you attended the said event and are truly close to the family.

Photo booklets make an excellent choice for a small token of appreciation to mark a special occasion.

Another reason photo books are still highly relevant is because it is not in any danger of crashing, hacking, or getting corrupted.

As convenient as online storage or posting on social media is, these are real dangers of posting your photos online.

You run the risk of having your photos land in the wrong set of hands. As I’ve said, with all the social media posts out there, everything can be saved and seen - your photos are not an exception.

If you choose to save your photos in a hard drive, there is also the risk of it getting corrupted. A bad file or a virus can wipe years and years of photos, I have seen it happen one too many times.

You know how there are some important memories in your life that you were too young to remember or you just weren’t around at the time, like your parents’ wedding, or during the baptism of your first birthday?

Seeing as how you can never bring back time, your only connection to those memories is through photos. Photobooks are still relevant because they fully document milestones in your life that you cannot remember. They are the physical evidence of memories you cannot remember and most certainly cannot bring back.

Ever since online shopping has become popular, we have seen a lot of promising online shops pops out and sells good quality items at very reasonable prices. This definitely makes it so convenient for us who can’t easily leave the house, wants to avoid traffic and crowded places, and those who can’t seem to find what they like in the malls. So while I was browsing for online shops, I found about Dresslily.

Dresslily is an online store that has more than just dresses. They have everything from shoes, bags, hair products, accessories, and home stuff. They have a great selection of items that you can see for yourself and fall in love with it.

DressLily focuses on the very latest in affordable fashion styles, from apparel to accessories, they always have the newest product lines, providing maximum choice and convenience to their clients. What I like most about them is they always have a sale that you can watch out for. Free worldwide shipping, 15% off for new users and discounts for 2 or more orders per item. Definitely, there is a lot of things to look forward to with Dress Lily.

Sharing with you some of my picks from Dresslily which you can wear to this year’s upcoming holiday or a gift to your loved one or friend:

It’s wise to invest in minimalist dresses as it can be worn to any occasion, even corporate events. Whenever I buy clothes, I tend to lean towards neutral palettes but of course, you can try out different colors like this Maroon Cocktail Dress. I always make it a point to stock up on dresses like this which I can wear to happy occasions like birthdays or holiday parties!

Shop now at Dresslily’s official website and look for their current promotion!

Don’t forget to sign up to get your 15% off when you shop at DressLily

Did you know it is only less than a month till Christmas? Most of us are searching for festive ideas so that your home is holiday ready in time. From buying gifts, new clothes, gadgets and appliances, we also prepare for the season by decorating our homes and dressing up wearing our best clothes.

Truly, it is a busy time for everyone with all the get-togethers and shopping at the malls. That's why to avoid the long queues and rush hour traffic, I prefer to shop online. It is convenient for me since I can do shopping whenever or wherever I like.

Glad to have found, Rosegal, an online shop that was started by a group of friends who are passionate for clothing and fashion. They are into the fusion of vintage and modern clothing that can cater to all people from those who love a classic look and those who love to wear edgy clothes. Rosegal offers clothing for men, women, and kids, shoes, accessories, and even bed and home products like pillows, curtains, and carpets. You have a lot of items to choose from beyond your imagination for their goal is as simple as to share their love for the best fashion with each and every one of you.

What I also like about Rosegal compared to other stores is that they offer clothes to plus size. You don't have to worry about not getting your size because they have everything you want for special occasions such as parties, swimming, and other events at a very affordable price.

I have chosen a few Christmas products that I like which are perfect this upcoming holiday. I picked a Christmas themed dress, pillows and curtains which you can see more details here.

Now that you have seen my picks you can share yours by leaving a comment below. I hope I was able to give you an idea where to shop your clothes and more on the net. Visit Rosegal now to check their promos. Currently, they offer 20% off to new users and free shipping worldwide. Have fun shopping, everyone!

Have you ever had urinary tract infection? You know that this can be very painful for you. It can be even more frustrating when the UTI keeps coming back. You dread having to do number 1 because of the different unpleasant symptoms that you are bound to experience.

There are different ways that you can do in order to prevent UTI from becoming recurrent. Get to know what these steps are.

1. Allow yourself to drink a lot of water and let relieve yourself whenever you have to. Drinking plenty of water will be effective in removing the bacteria-causing UTI from your bladder. You may also take a UTI prevention pill if it was prescribed by your doctor.

2. Always wash up before you have sex and urinate after sex. Some people have realized that they get UTI after sex more often. This may be because of your poor hygiene. You can improve your hygiene by making sure that your genitals are clean before having sex. Urinating will make the bacteria less likely to go deeper into your urethra.

3. Be more aware of the birth control methods that you use. There are some products that will make you more likely to get UTI as compared to others. You can always ask your doctor about Recurrent UTI prevention. The doctor may recommend different products that will be safer for you to use.

4. There is no need to use products that are meant to “clean” your vagina. Some studies show that you can be more prone to getting UTI when you use scented feminine washes all the time. If you find the feminine product irritating, there is no need to keep on using it.

5. You may be recommended to take antibiotics in order to prevent the UTI from coming back. The dosage for this is usually low. You can talk to your doctor about it. Do not take antibiotics without the prescription of your doctor.

You can take the uti quiz if you want to know more about the possible reasons why your UTI keeps coming back. A better hygiene will always make a lot of difference with your health.

It's the first time you baby is experiencing what Christmas is like. It's going to be the first time they’re introduced to this culturally important event. Some parents might say that they won’t remember it thus there’s no point in doing anything special. This kind of attitude will not help your child as they grow because even though a baby’s mind is in the very early stages of development they can still sense what is going on. So when a family gets together and the home looks different at a specific time of year, this will be logged into their brain and the event will be something they notice more and more as they grow up. It's also just a good time for you and the family to make some memories that one day you can look back on and say you put in the effort and had fun. So since you do have a little one with you, what should their first ever Christmas be like?

Tickle the senses

Baby’s a very visual and touch sensitive. What they hear and smell isn’t as important as what they can feel and see. This is because their mind is in the survival mode all the time because they are small and vulnerable. However, you can introduce them to new smells to engage their mind and help them to experience new things. Try to make some Christmas drinks that are non-alcoholic such as a mix of cranberries, oranges and small cinnamon sticks. You can also add one kind of berry in there such as raspberries or strawberries. You may want to put in a little herb as well such as a sprig of rosemary. Allow this to boil and then just sit in the living room out of the way. This helps the home to smell like Christmas and introduces your baby to new complex smells of fruits, herbs and a little spice.

Dressed in red

No doubt that many parents will dress their children in a neutral color because it's versatile. A white or cream tone is very common among baby clothes as this can show you any signs of vomits, and of course if your baby has gone to the toilet. However, for Christmas, you can dress your baby in red, in clothes that pertain to the time of year and the event being celebrated. After reading through this ibotta app review you can see how shopping on Amazon for baby clothes in this fashion could give you a 5% cash back coupon. This is for the bulk of the shopping so you can buy things like reindeer outfits, fluffy snowman shoes, and socks as well as other St. Nick outfits too. Your baby will see that they are dressed in a bright color that isn’t something they normally wear and will give their brain something to comprehend.

Give your baby’s nose something to be intrigued about and note that this is something they are not familiar with by making a Christmas potpourri. Leave it in the living room and whenever they’re with you they will be smelling what Christmas is like.

Christmas is just around the corner and with that comes the parties and gift giving. Aside from shopping gifts for your loved ones, we also buy new clothes to wear in preparation for the holidays. Terrible traffic and crowded malls may hinder you from shopping but thanks to technology. We can have almost anything we like in just a few clicks.In the next few days, I will be featuring three online shopping sites that you can visit to shop for your gifts, clothes, bags, accessories and more. First, let me introduce to you ZAFUL.I have been reading a lot of good reviews about Zaful from some of my friends who have already ordered on their website. Upon checking their online store, what I like about Zaful is that their collection promotes a laid-back and clean look to cutting-edge fashion. The clothes are comfortable and perfect for casual to a typical working day. The selection of clothes that they sell definitely suit our weather here in the Philippines.In case you didn't know, Zaful is one of the best online retailers of women and men's fashion. They are guaranteed made of good quality materials and you can get it at an affordable price. They have a huge range of men's and women's tees, dresses, jackets, blouses, pants, skirts and much more.

I enjoyed so much browsing from their wide selection of clothes. They have nice dresses, accessories, and bags that are priced reasonably. They have items on sale and does offer free shipping from time to time.You can check out my favorite item like this yellow waterproof windbreaker jacket or you can pick from other yellow hoodies on sale (click here).

If you are the type of person who wears eyeglasses every day, you have to make sure to wear the best pair for your eyes and face. As the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" in your case, specs are the first thing that people see when they look at your face. Much like our make up or hairstyle, specs can make or break your overall look.

So when buying your stylish prescription eyeglasses, it is best to start shopping for the right frame and style for your eyes that will help compliment your face.

Here are some of the tips when buying your eyeglasses frame:

1. Go to a reputable eyeglasses stores

It is always best to buy and order your specs at reputable optical shops so that you are certain that they will be able to help and guide you in getting your eyeglasses.

2. Try on many styles as you want

Remember to check out as many different shapes and design. For me, I always look forward to picking my frame. You should know how to figure out the shape of the frame that suits your face shape the best. For example, check to see if you look good in these type of frames: Cat-Eye, Goggles, Oval, Rectangle, Round, Square or Aviator.

Whether your shopping for clothes, gadgets or even your eyeglasses, things can never go wrong if your tag a family member or a friend. It is best to have them and tell you what's the perfect specs for you since you can trust them to give you their best judgment.

4. Choose the right frame

In choosing your frame, you also must take into consideration, the comfortability when wearing it. In my opinion, I currently prefer plastic eyeglasses without the nose pads because I find it uncomfortable.

Your eyes should be centered within the frame. It should follow the lines of your eyebrows.

Also, the frame should not be drooping or else it will make you look old.

5. Choose a frame color that complements your skin tone and eye color

Eyewear does not have to match what you’re wearing, but rather go with everything because it compliments your face, not your clothes. You may opt to choose a color that is different from your hair color and eyes to give yourself a new look rather settling to black or neutral colors.

Now that you have learned some tips on how to find the perfect specs for you, let me show some eyeglasses that I found from Voogueme Eyeglasses, an online website that sells fashionable frames:

Keep in mind that specs can be adjusted to fit so don’t worry if they are a little too tight or too loose when you try them on. Also, you’re not bound to wearing one pair of specs all the time. You can buy 1-2 eyeglasses to wear according to your mood and outfit. I hope I was able to help you in picking the right eyeglasses. Thanks for reading this article!

A car is a valuable asset. As such, you need to take care of it both for its mechanics and appearance. Your car’s interior should be well cared for. Part of this care is cleaning it. There is a right way and a wrong way of cleaning a car’s interior.

To guide you in the right way, here are 5 tips to cleaning the interior of your car:

1. Vacuum Starting From The Top Down

You can begin by vacuuming the car’s ceiling and then proceed down gradually towards the floor. Ensure that you use the right nozzle for every surface when vacuuming the car. Your headliner, seats, and all the upholstered points in your car will require that you use an upholstery nozzle when vacuuming.

The crevice tool on the vacuum cleaner will come in handy in cleaning the crevices for both the seats and seat pockets. A dusting brush will be more appropriate for cleaning the vinyl and hard plastic.

2. Wipe The Center Console

To do this, take a rag and moisten it with a cleaning detergent. Start by wiping the cleanest area first and then proceed on to the dirtier areas. Wipe the dashboard, center console, and the steering wheel. Ensure that you also wipe the gear stick and the door pockets.

Other than using a rag, you can also use car wipes. A cotton wool will come in handy in wiping grime in areas that are difficult to access. Ensure that the rag or cleaning cloth you use is clean to avoid redistributing the dirt you have cleaned off from one section on to another section.

3. The Floor Mats

Before vacuuming your car, it is advisable that you take off the floor mats. This will allow you to gain access to the dirt that lies underneath them. If your mats are plastic, ensure that you take them off and shake off the dust then use a garden hose to wash them. Air them in an open space and have them dry up completely before returning them in the car.

If the mats are carpet, you can either vacuum them while in the car or outside the car, whichever method that is convenient for you. You should return the mats back to the car only when you’re done vacuuming the car’s interior.

4. Use A Stain Remover To Remove Tough Stains

Stains such as juice spills, make-up, hair food, candy, food stains, your kid’s crayons, among others can leave your car seats and other surfaces looking bad. There are stain removers available in the market that you can buy and use to get rid of these stains.

5. Handle Leather Seats With Care

Leather seats look great in cars but are quite sensitive and need to be handled with care when cleaning them to prevent cracks. An effective way of cleaning leather seats is by using a soft brush and a cleaner that works well with the leather material. Once you’re done cleaning them, go ahead and condition the seats.

Conclusion

These five tips will help you clean your car’s interior. The kind of products you use to clean your car determine how the surfaces will turn out to be. It is important that you invest in the right cleaning products. Here is our recommendation of the bestproducts for car interior cleaning. Check them out today.

The South-Eastern state of Louisiana promises a wide range of excitement for everyone. The state can be regarded as the melting point for a wide range of culture, among which are the French, African-American, Cajun, Creole, and the French-Canadian culture. From the Louise Cathedral to the WW2 Museum and the rural life in Baton Rouge, you wouldn’t have limited options when you visit this amazing state.

As the world commemorates the end of the world war this year, it could be the best suitable time to enjoy the sight of the relics of the world’s most devastating war. Located in the heart of New Orleans, the WW2 offers more detailed information on the involvement of the United States in the war. In addition to the WW2 National Museum, there are lots of military museums and specialty museums, all scattered across different parts of the state of Louisiana.

If checking out museums is not your hobby, you may want to stop over that the Royal street where you can enjoy a horse ride and feel like a royal prince or princess. The Royal street can be regarded as the best local art hub in Louisiana, with lots of modern and historic architecture to explore. Perhaps this could be the ideal destination for professional photographers. The Royal street is located next to the Bourbon street and you can find amazing paintings and sculptures, right here. Also, the Royal street could be the best place to shop and buy antiques, if you enjoying collecting pieces of ancient arts. Visitors to the Royal street will also have access to a wide range of international restaurants, accommodation, and Boutiques.

Visit the astonishing Rip Van Winkle Gardens

The Rip Van Winkle Gardens, located on top of the Salt Dome, at Lake Peigneur is a 20-acre, semi-tropical garden, located some 75 feet above the sea level. The gardens also surround the famous Joseph Jefferson mansion that was constructed in the year 1870 and has 22 rooms, with lots of fascinating historical designs. These gardens are opened every day of the week from 9 am to 4 pm, hence it could be the ideal place to take your family on a quiet afternoon.

Visit the Laura Plantation

An amazing plantation, located on the Mississippi River, is a stretch of sugar cane plantation that has 12 historical buildings that have been listed under the National Register of Historic Places. The sugar cane plantation has been refurbished with lots of new outer buildings and slave cabins of the 19th century. Once you registered and have been admitted into the tour, you will have access to a tour guide, and each tour lasts for approximately 40 minutes.

Visit the French men street

The French men street is located within a walking distance from the French Quarter, in the heart of New Orleans. This is perhaps the best place to go if you want to enjoy the finest local music because that is where most locals go to. You can also find the world famous French men market here, and that is where you will find the most authentic local art products. There are lots of music clubs in and around this street and you will find them playing all kinds of music genres. Keep in mind that admission to the music clubs here can be free or very cheap, depending on the day.

If you love watching animals, you will definitely fall in love with this too. The zoo is part of the Audubon Nature Institute, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of wild animals. There are over 2000 different species of animals located on 53 acres of land, here. The swamp exhibits, African Savannah exhibit, are some of the amazing animal collections here. If you want to be up and close to the Komodo dragon and the white alligator, then you should sign up for the reptile encounter. This zoon is opened all year round but accessibility hours will vary depending on the season.

Visit the Louisiana State Capitol

Your visit to Louisiana is incomplete without paying a visit to one of the most socio-political landmarks in the state. The Capitol, inaugurated in the year 1932, remains the official seat of government. The building extends by over 400 feet and accommodates 34 stories. This is the tallest capitol in the entire country and it is also the tallest building in Louisiana. The Louisiana state Capitol is nested with several gardens located on some 30 acres of land. The vital information on the architecture and history of the capital can be found at the visitor’s information center on the ground floor.

The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Toddlers and infants will definitely enjoy visiting this amazing place, alongside adults who love to play with butterflies. The Audubon butterfly garden is located inside the United States Custom House, at Cana street, New Orleans. The Insectarium itself is the largest one in the entire North American region and it is dedicated to exhibiting insects and providing more information on their importance to life on the planet.

The State of Louisiana also offers a wide range of other amazing places to visit, these include; The USS KIDD Veterans Museum, and the Sydney an Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden, in NOMA.

Information for international travelers

You may want to check esta application while planning your trip to Louisiana, USA, this will ensure that you obtain the necessary authorization to travel. There are lots of other places International travelers can visit in the state of Louisiana, it all depends on what you prefer but you must always check your esta validation date before you make all preparations. Perhaps the most important ESTA documents you must have when traveling from visa exemption countries are; A printed copy of the VWP (Visa Waiver Program), and Your VWP passport. Sometimes, you may need to present proof of payment in your confirmation email before traveling.